Gallien-Krueger 1001RB-II Bass Amplifier Head

Gallien-Krueger’s RB Series bass amplifiers have been setting the standard for over two decades.

Gallien-Krueger’s RB Series bass amplifiers have been setting the standard for over two decades. Inside these compact, lightweight ‘superstructures’ is the most advanced bass circuitry available. In 1972, Bob Gallien developed what he calls G.I.V.E. Technology (Gate Induced Valve Effect). This ‘valve effect’ is integrated into the design of all RB Series heads and is part of what gives them their distinct sound. The RB Series heads deliver a warm, punchy tone with a fast transient response that not only sounds better, it feels better. GK’s renowned voicing filters and intuitive four band active EQ make it simple to dial in a great sound. Every day thousands of players around the world in arenas, clubs and basements plug into GK heads because they love that sound.

Features:

700 watts (4 ohms) plus 50 watt horn bi-amp system

Active 4-band EQ

Adjustable contour, presence & 4/5 string voicing

Boost (valve effect)

Separate tweeter & woofer volume controls

Effects loop & tuner out with mute

XLR out with level, ground lift & pre/post switch

Speakon & 1/4″ outputs

19×3.5×8 (2 space)

22 lbs.

Order your Gallien-Krueger 1001RB-II Bass Amplifier Head from Sam Ash Direct today with the security of our 45/60 day return/price protection policy, and be sure to take advantage of our fast, free shipping.

While at my local music store. I compared the 1001rbII to the littlemark III, Ampeg 7pro, 700rbII, Ampeg pf500, and the Eden WT550.The 700rb, Markbass and Ampeg 7pro had good power and the Markbass had fatter tone. the Ampeg PF500 didnt seem like 500 watts to me? It came down to the Eden and the 1001RB II. The Eden had better tone but power to me was equal and GK was cheaper and GK had better dependability history. I got the 1001rb II.

I purchased this amp about a year ago and have had very good luck/use from it. Here is what I think about the amplifier.

Pros:Extremely lightVery strong sounding powerInexpensive

Cons:Its a "slap you in the face" sound, it doesn't produce the smooth sounds of an all tube Ampeg. If using a PA system, the power is overkill.

Overall:I purchased the amp to replace my injured ampeg (dropped during travel). I've used this amp for about a year and have had very good luck with it. However the only downfall is the "harsh" sound that it produces. If you are playing R&B or something with a deep bass line, you might not be satisfied. However, don't let that be the major determinant in your purchase. This amp has been nothing but good to me in the way of use and stability. The tone thing is just a little nitch in my personal taste. Everything else about this amp is great!

I'm a gigging bassist, who has used Ampeg for years. One day my Ampeg died on me and I had to purchase this in a hurry.

My Pros:It's light weight and easy to carry from to car.It's got raw power - which is also a curse.The price is deceptivly low!

My Cons:With my Ampeg B4R, when playing small gigs I could use one side of the amplifier putting out about 250 watts and one cabinet. Bigger gigs I would use two cabinets and put out 700 watts or I could bridge it and get the full 1000 watts (usually not needed).

The GK cannot do that! It puts out 465 watts to 8 ohms cabinet (or 700 watts to 2 cabinets). Most cabinets are not rated for 465 watts. Those that are, are expensive (there goes the price advantage). In my case I had to purchase a 2nd cabinet (there goes price and weight advantage).

I haven't yet attempted to "Bi-amp" the GK yet, simply because I have not had time to get the proper cabling. Also, I really don't play that much music where a tweeter is helpful.

I prefer the sound of my Ampeg to the GK, but that is a personal matter, and could change once I try the "bi-amp" mode.

It's a good amplifier if you have the cabinet(s) to match it too. In my case I should have went with the 700RB II. If playing a bigger gig, I could have used the PA to compensate!

Overall it is a good bass amplifier. Just don't get stuck like I did and have to purchase another cabinet for damage control.

I bought this head and the Neo 212-II cabinet. I liked it so much, I bought another one to use in my church choir. I put the head in a rack that includes a power unit, a compressor, and a sonic maximizer (church rig). The other rig I'm using for my band, I put the head in a rack that includes a power unit, a compressor and an ultra-bass unit. I had a bit of "hissing" coming from the cabinet, so I ran the head straight into the cabinet and OH MY GOODNESS! The "hissing" stopped and the sound was just the same. It was quiet as a mouse...until I hit a note. The only drawback I noticed was that the cooling fan is on top, instead of the back. This causes me to leave a space between anything that I put on top of it in a rack unit. But that's nothing major, because this head really doesn't need to be put in a rack. It can stand alone. Maybe the "hiss' came from a bad cable, but nonetheless, I determined that this rig does not need anything else connected to it. Just run it "raw"! I'm getting rid of everything else I own and tried, such as my SWR Workingman 160 (used as a pre-amp), an Ampeg B2 with 4/10's (traded the cabinet in for the Neo 212-II), and about to get rid of the David Eden CSX combo with 2/12's. I'm "cleaning up house" because all I need now is the GK rig I have to satisfy me with that "sweet spot sound" I've been chasing for the past 15 years. I recommend this GK head (and cabinet) to any discriminating bass player who's looking for that low end "growl" with a "bite" on the top. Try it! You won't be disappointed.

1001RB-II Bass Amplifier Head

Used Gear Condition

Mint Condition

This instrument or product has been carefully played/used and returned
to us in virtually new condition; however its packaging may not meet
the standards set by the factory. Also, it no longer carries the manufacturer's
warranty. If you're looking for a virtually new instrument in possibly
less-than-perfect packaging, this is a great value. We feel so strongly that
you'll like what you see, we're including our 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
to this used product, making it a no-risk purchase.

Gently Used

This instrument or product has been carefully played/used and shows few,
minor signs of use. In most respects it looks and performs like new and may be
considered an equivalent to display units found in retail stores. Its packaging
may not meet the standards set by the factory and it no longer carries the
manufacturer's warranty. Gently used products are a terrific value and you can
buy with confidence, knowing our 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee applies to this used product.

Good Condition

This instrument or product is in good working condition but has one or more cosmetic
flaws beyond those of a Gently Used product. These flaws are typical of an instrument
or product that's seen normal wear and tear, including incidental scratches, chips, dings,
dents or other imperfections. It performs just as well as a Mint Condition or Gently Used
instrument/product. Its packaging may not meet the standards set by the factory and it no
longer carries the manufacturer's warranty. Good Condition is a great choice if you're looking
for performance and value and not as concerned with cosmetics. You can buy with confidence,
knowing our 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee applies to this used product.

Needs Repair

This instrument or product is not in working condition and needs repair, but can be
brought back to full functionality with replacement of parts or some skilled repair
work. If you are a do-it-yourselfer or know a skilled repair person, this is a terrific
value. Needs Repair products are sold AS-IS: they do not come with a manufacturer's
warranty and are not returnable.